🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.