Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear
A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.
The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.
In a online announcement, the facility indicated 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 landowner.”
“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.
“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.
In a recent statement, the sanctuary 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 declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.
However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.
“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”
Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.
The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.
The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.
“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”
The property owner declined to comment.
The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.
A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.
“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”
The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.
However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.
The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.