🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.