🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve 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 amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.