Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.