🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

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

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.