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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. 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 humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.