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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property 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 landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“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 capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary announced 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 choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.