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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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 grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.