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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.