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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.