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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city 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 seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.