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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.