Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.