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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.