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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“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 considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.