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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.