🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent update, the park 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 incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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 shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.