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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.