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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.