🔗 Share this article

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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

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

In a later statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.