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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.