Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Remaining Five Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.