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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.