Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.