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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.