Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.