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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.