🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility 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 specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.