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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.