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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.