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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with 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 thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

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

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.