Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.