Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.