🔗 Share this article

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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.