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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 financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.