🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a online post, the facility clarified 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.