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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.