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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later 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 serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.