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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.