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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

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

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

In a subsequent update, the park announced 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.