Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

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

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may 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 director added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.