🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 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 heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.