🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.