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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated 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 private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a recent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.