🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.