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

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.