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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.