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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.