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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.