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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, 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 declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.