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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

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

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.