Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced 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 incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.