🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.