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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city 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 group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.