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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary 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 untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.