🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator 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 expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.