Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced 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 choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.