🔗 Share this article

A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.