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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.