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

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

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

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.