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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.