Troubled New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear
A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.
The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.
In a online announcement, the facility indicated 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 landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.
“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.
In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.
“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.
However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.
“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.
The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.
The director noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”
The proprietor refused to comment.
The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.
A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.
“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”
The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.
However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.
The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.
