Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed 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 incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise 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 line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.