Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain
A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.
The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.
In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.
“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.
In a later statement, the sanctuary announced 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 untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.
“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.
The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.
The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.
“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”
The property owner chose not to respond.
The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.
A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.
“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”
The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.
The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.
