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

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.