Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.