Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.