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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed 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 deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.