Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.