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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.