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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.