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

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

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

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

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.