Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.