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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the park announced 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 worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.