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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.