🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land 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.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.