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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.