Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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 acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.