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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.