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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.