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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 fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.