🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.