🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.