Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.