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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.