🔗 Share this article

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

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.