Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

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

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

The facility often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.