Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner 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.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.