🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility explained 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.