Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later update, the sanctuary 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 untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.