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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

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

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.