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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.