🔗 Share this article

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

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.