Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.