🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property 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.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.