🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.