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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 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 deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.