🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the park 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.