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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“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 significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.