Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.