🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.