🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.