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

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.