Financially Stricken New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain
A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.
The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.
In a online announcement, the establishment indicated 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.
“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.
In a later announcement, the park 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 declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.
“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.
The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.
The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.
“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”
The proprietor chose not to respond.
The government department indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.
A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.
“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”
The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.
The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.