Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear
A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.
The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.
In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of 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 heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.
“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.
In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.
“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.
However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.
“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”
Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.
The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.
The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.
“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”
The property owner declined to comment.
The government department clarified that the choice to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.
A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.
“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”
The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.
However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.
The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.
