Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.