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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 property owner.”

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

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

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.