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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility 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 team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the facility 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 deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve 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 mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.