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

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.