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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.