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

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 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 deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.