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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.