A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.
The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.
In a online post, the establishment indicated 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”
“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.
“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.
In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.
“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.
However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.
“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”
Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.
The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.
The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.
“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”
The property owner chose not to respond.
The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.
A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.
“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”
The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.
However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.
The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.
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