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

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.