🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.