Troubled NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.