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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated 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 indicated 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.