Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.