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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.