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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.