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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.