Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

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

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.