🔗 Share this article

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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

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

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

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.