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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility 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.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.