Struggling New Zealand Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Pair of Lions, Fate of Five More Uncertain
A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, 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 establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”
“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.
“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.
In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.
“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.
However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.
“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”
Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.
The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.
The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.
“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”
The property owner declined to comment.
The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.
A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.
“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”
The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.
However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.
The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.
