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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.