Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.