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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, 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 serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.