🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.