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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.