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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner 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 “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.