🔗 Share this article

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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with 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 operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.