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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.