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

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. 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 facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.