Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.