🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with 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 operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.