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

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.