Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.