Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.