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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.