Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“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 remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.