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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.