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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.