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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.