🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.