Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

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

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary 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 not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.