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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land 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.”

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

“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 considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. 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 park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.