Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, 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 facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.