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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.