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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.