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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.