Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.