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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.