🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.