Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 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,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.