🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.