Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.