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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

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

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

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

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.