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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.