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

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

In a online post, the facility explained 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety 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 big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.