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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified 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 incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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 present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.