🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the facility verified 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 decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.