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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.