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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary 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 worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

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

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.