🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

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

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.