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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.