Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified 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 “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.