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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.