🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.