🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.