Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.