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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

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

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.