Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment explained 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the park verified 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 deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.