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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, 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 group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.