Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained 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 “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.