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

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified 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 worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.