Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.