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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.