Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.