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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.