🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.