Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, 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 serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.