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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility explained 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.