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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the facility announced 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 incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

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

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.