Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.