Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.