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

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “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 lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary announced 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 untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.