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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.