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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.