🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.