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

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

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the facility 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 worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.