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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.