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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.