Financially Stricken NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Pair of Lions, Future of Remaining Five Uncertain

A struggling wildlife park 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 undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

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

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.