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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.