🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified 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 actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.