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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.