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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of 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 devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.