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

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.