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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.