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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.