🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town 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, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.