Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.