Troubled New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Unclear

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.