Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.