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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.