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

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.