🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the facility 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 not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.