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

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

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 grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.