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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

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

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

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.