🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.