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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed 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 incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.