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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.