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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.