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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.