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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.