🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition 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 staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.