🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the 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 staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.