Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain
A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.
The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.
In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.
“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.
In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.
However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.
“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.
The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.
The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”
The proprietor refused to comment.
The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.
A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.
“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”
The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.
However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.
The park often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.