🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.