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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.