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

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.