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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

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

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.