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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.