Struggling New Zealand Wildlife Park Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear
A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.
The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.
In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”
“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.
“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.
In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.
“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.
However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.
“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”
Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.
The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.
The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.
“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”
The property owner chose not to respond.
The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.
A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.
“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”
The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.
The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.
