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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations 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 seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said 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 purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.