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

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration 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 expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.