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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.