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

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances 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 “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.