Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.