🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.