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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.