Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.