🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.