Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

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

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the facility 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 actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

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

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.