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

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator 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 expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.