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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.