Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.