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

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

In a online post, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.