🔗 Share this article

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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.