Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.