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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 remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property 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.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.