🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.