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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.