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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.