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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

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

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.