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A beleaguered 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 undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the facility announced 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 worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.