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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with 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 other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.