Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.