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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified 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 not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.