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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.