🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property 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 team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.