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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, 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 incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.