🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the park announced 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 actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

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

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.