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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.