Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.