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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.