🔗 Share this article

A struggling 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 uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.