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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated 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 “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.