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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a recent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.