🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, 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 grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.