Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.