Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.