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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.