Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property 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.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.