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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.