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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.