🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

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

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.