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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.