Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often 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 facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.