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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

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

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.