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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.