Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.