A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.
The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.
In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 property owner.”
“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.
“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.
In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.
“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.
The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.
The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”
The landowner refused to comment.
The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.
A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.
“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”
The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.
However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.
The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.
