Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“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 consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.