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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.