Financially Stricken NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled 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 uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices 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 euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.