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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner 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 heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

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

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.