Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.