Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain
A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.
The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.
In a online 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”
“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.
“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.
In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“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 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 purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”
Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.
The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.
The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.
“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”
The proprietor declined to comment.
The government department indicated that the decision to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.
A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.
“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”
The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.
The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.
