🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed 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 deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.