🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.