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A beleaguered 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 uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.