Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” 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 purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the park announced 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 not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.