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

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.