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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“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 considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced 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 worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.