🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the establishment 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 “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.