🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.