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Troubled NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear
A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.
The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.
In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.
“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.
In a later announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.
However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.
“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”
Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.
The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.
The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.
“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”
The proprietor declined to comment.
The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.
A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.
“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”
The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.
The facility often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.
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