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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.