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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny 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 weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.