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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations 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.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.