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

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

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.