Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.