Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.