Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.