🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property 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.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.