🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.