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A financially troubled 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 monetary problems.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.