Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.