Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.