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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.