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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 outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.