Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.