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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.