🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.