Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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 purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.