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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved 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 mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.