🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.