🔗 Share this article

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

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

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

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.