Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors 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, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.