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

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved 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 ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.