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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.