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

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.