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

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.