Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary 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 utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.