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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.