Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Euthanises Two Lions, Fate of Five More Unclear

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor 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 property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park confirmed 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 utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.