Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.