🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.