🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly 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 shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.