🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed 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 declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.