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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 destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.