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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated 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 staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“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 considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.