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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.