🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared 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 encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.