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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the 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, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.