Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.