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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 other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.