Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.