🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye 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 thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

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

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

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.