Struggling NZ Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of 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 staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.