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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated 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 challenging 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 wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.