Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor 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 property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.