🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.