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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.