Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility explained 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary 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 consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.