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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.