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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 remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later update, the park confirmed 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 declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.