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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

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

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.