Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the park 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.