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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent update, 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 worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

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

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.