🔗 Share this article

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.