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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.