Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

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

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

“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 utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.