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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.