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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.