🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

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

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.