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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.