🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent 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 significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.