Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

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

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.