Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

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

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.