Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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 staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.