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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.