Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.