Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.