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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed 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 decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.