A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.
The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.
In a online update, the establishment explained 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.
“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.
In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.
“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.
“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.
The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.
The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.
“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”
The proprietor declined to comment.
The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.
A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.
“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”
The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.
The park often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.
