🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

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

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program 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 sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.