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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.