🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past 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, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.