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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent update, the park announced 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 untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.