Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.