🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.