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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.