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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.