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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.