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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past 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, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.