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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.