🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.