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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

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

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

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.