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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.