🔗 Share this article

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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.