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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

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

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.