🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

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

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.