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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 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 devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.