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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.