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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

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

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.