Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.