Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property 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 heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.