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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land 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 staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.