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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.