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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.