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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.