🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced 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 decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.