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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent 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 actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.