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

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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.