Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining 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 online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.