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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.