🔗 Share this article

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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said 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 considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

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

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame 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 handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.