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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land 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 property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.