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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.