Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.