🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.