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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.