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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 other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.