Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might 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 operator added.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.