Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

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

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

In a online post, the establishment 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.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.