🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment 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 broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.