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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.