Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.