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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 destiny 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 social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.