🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town 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, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.