Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary 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 financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.