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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.