Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.