Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Future of Five More Unclear

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced 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 decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.