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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.