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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.