Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.