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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.