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

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled 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 operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.