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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may 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 operator explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.