Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain
A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.
The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.
In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.
“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.
In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.
“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.
“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”
Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.
The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.
The director noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.
“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”
The property owner refused to comment.
The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.
A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.
“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”
The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.
However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.
The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.
