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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 outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.