Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.