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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 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 employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

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 purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.