Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.