Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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 acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.