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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.