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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the facility verified 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.