🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.