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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.