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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.