🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.