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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.