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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 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,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.