Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, 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 incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, 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 option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

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

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.