🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained 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.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.