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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.