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

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.