🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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 financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.