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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.