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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.