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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.