🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.