Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its owner 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.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame 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 fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.