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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.