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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property 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 property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly 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 operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.