Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.