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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.