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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older 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 shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.