🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

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

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.