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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

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

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.