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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.