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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent 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 declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.