Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.