Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of 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 employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.