Financially Stricken New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.