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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.