Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land 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 property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.