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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of 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,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.