🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 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 heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with 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 deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.