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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed 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 actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.