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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.