Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated 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 purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.