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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. 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 park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.