Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.