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

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.