Struggling NZ Animal Sanctuary Puts Down Two Lions, Future of Five More Uncertain

A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced 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 deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.