Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain
A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled 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 city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.
In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.
“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.
In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.
“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.
“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.
The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.
The director stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”
The proprietor refused to comment.
The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.
A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.
“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”
The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.
However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.
The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.