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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility explained 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“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 capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.