🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.