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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.