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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 outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

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

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.