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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.