Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

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

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.