A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.
The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.
In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.
“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.
In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.
However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.
“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.
The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.
The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.
“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”
The landowner declined to comment.
The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.
A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.
“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”
The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.
The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.
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