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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.