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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.