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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed 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 privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.