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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.