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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.