🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment 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 “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.