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

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 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 team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.