Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.