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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the 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 staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.