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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.