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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.