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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.