🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.