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

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.