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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary announced 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.