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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.