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

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

In a online post, the establishment explained 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.