Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 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 deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.