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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.