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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.