Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.