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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“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 utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.