Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed 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 not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.