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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.