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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.