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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.