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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified 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 team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.