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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.