Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.