Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.