Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.