Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property 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 property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.