Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.