Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain
A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.
The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.
In a online announcement, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.
“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.
In a recent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.
“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.
However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.
“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”
Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.
The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.
The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.
“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”
The property owner declined to comment.
The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.
A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.
“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”
The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.
However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.
The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.