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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property 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.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

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

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.