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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 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 update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.