Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner 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 property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.