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

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent 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 significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.