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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

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

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

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.