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

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.