🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.