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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.