🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

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

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.